Summary: We continue our exploration of Jesus’ varied parables exploring the nature of the Kingdom of God. As we consider the implications of ‘the mustard seed’ and the ‘yeast in dough’ we see that God takes the small things of the world and uses them for great effect. We also begin to get a sense that often the Kingdom goes undetected for a season whilst it takes root.

We will consider how faithful we are in our sowing and cultivating the Kingdom in our midst and consider how these parables inform our Kingdom work.

For further reflection: Take moments to ask what things you are planting into the lives of others and the community. Are you convinced that your small part can make a difference?

Summary: Our worship today will be about celebrating God’s gifts to us. We will think together about Jesus’ ‘Parable of the Sower’ and explore the meaning of the story…

Here it is for you to read for yourself:1. That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Sermon Series: Launch of Trinity’s Vision, Mission and Community Statement

Theme: Trinity Community: Kingdom Community

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-28

Summary: Our vision to transform our communities by the love of God and our mission to Meet God, Meet Friends and Live Life Better need a church shaped in such a way as to support that.

Today we consider the key area of Christian community and we can work to support these relationships at every level. We look at the various types of gatherings in the New Testament and see if there is some value in these for the 21st Century church here in Gosforth.

For further reflection: What is God calling you to do? How can we support you in it?

Sermon Series: Launch of Trinity’s Vision, Mission and Community Statement

Theme: Trinity Mission: Meet God, Meet Friends, Live Life Better.

Scripture: Matthew 22: 34 – 40; Matthew 28: 16 – 20

Summary: As we gathered last week we heard the call to be ‘salt and light’ in our world as followers of Jesus as we shared Trinity’s vision to be ‘committed to the transformation of our communities by the love of God.’

Today’s questions is: how?! A vision is but an idea of a destination, a statement of hope of a place we are working towards arriving at. What is needed is a route, a suggested path to help us move toward that vision. We will look at the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, key teachings of Jesus, as we focus on building our lives with the intention to ‘Meet God, Meet Friends, Live Life Better.’

For further reflection: Take time this week to see if there is a balance in your life between devotion to good, investing in others and living out your life’s mission to the full.